Psalm 59 is one of more than 70 psalms attributed to David, but one of only about a dozen that refer to specific occasions or circumstances in David’s story. The Bible tells us this is “a special psalm of David when Saul had David’s house watched so that he could kill him.” It was a desperate situation; David’s life was at stake, and we hear the distraught words ascribed to the one-day king of Israel.
Read More enemy, stress, strength“You, LORD, are the light that keeps me safe,” begins this psalm attributed to David, the man chosen by God to become Israel’s greatest king. From his youth as a shepherd, tending his father’s flocks day and night, David had known darkness and its dangers. But his confidence in the LORD was so sure, so true, that even in times of darkness he could proclaim, “I am not afraid of anyone.”
Read More strength, light, salvation, fear
Social media such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn allow us to create an astonishing, faultless character that can deceitfully impress the reader. But it’s hard to hide our true colours when someone pushes our hot buttons.
Would it be wonderful when life squeezes us that the character which shows up would be prudent, wise and righteous?
Read More temper, strength, character, prudence, reverenceIt is an invigorating sight to watch the billowing sails on a yacht glide effortlessly through the water on a glorious summer day. Yet the boat needs more than the gentle breezes to make its journey. It also depends on the strength and stability of that which is unseen; the rudder and keel below the waterline.
Read More strength, discipline, gentleness
I recently attended a gripping and all too realistic live production portraying the Easter story. As I watched the crazed crowds screaming for Jesus’ crucifixion spit and hiss on my beloved, bloodied Saviour, something horrified me. The crowd contained exactly the same cast of people who, earlier in the production, had cheered and waved branches as they welcomed their “Saviour” into Jerusalem.
From jubilant welcome to jeering condemnation. What happened?
Read More commitment, fickleness, horror, strengthAs we read the life of David, we are made aware that he was often attacked by his enemies and often on the run for his life. Psalm 86 is David’s prayer in a time of great trial. His violent enemies have conspired to kill him. While many of us may never know this level of threat, still we have times of desperation and can discern much from him. What do we do when we are hard pressed, threatened or under attack?
Read More strength, weakness, refuge, dependenceJesus, always the consummate storyteller, once told a tale about two builders, one wise and one foolish. The first chose to construct his home on a solid base; when a violent storm came, the house was not shaken. The second built on shifting sand. The foundation crumbled and the storm decimated his home.
Integrity is key when it comes to construction, even more so when it comes to one’s life.
Read More strength, character, integrityHere we are in victory lane.
David, while not having the victory yet, is anticipating being in victory lane because he is asking for God’s help to claim the victory he seeks. Sure we are sometimes in distress and fearful of failure. Of course we face stresses in our lives that look like they will overwhelm us. But what matters is who we turn to first when those troubles arise.
Read More victory, strength, salvation, needs
It doesn’t make sense. Elijah had successfully eliminated 450 religious opponents. He was king of the hill! Yet threatened by one woman, his faith turns to fear. Admittedly, Jezebel was a heartless, blood thirsty, Baal loving priestess and queen who had the political power and means to kill Elijah. But Elijah had proven himself – triumphing in the terrible intensity of the Mount Carmel conflict.
Read More strength, peace, struggle